Cuprian Smithsonite ps. Aragonite - image 1

Cuprian Smithsonite ps. Aragonite - image 2

Cuprian Smithsonite ps. Aragonite

$12,000.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

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An incredibly attractive and interesting pseudomorph from Tsumeb, combining two of our favorite collectible mineral species from this important locality! These came from a SINGLE pocket, probably in the late 1970s; and specimens are extremely rare. Most specimens we have seen are singles, and this is thought to be one of less than a handful of existing clusters in good condition and completeness. This very architectural and aesthetic piece represents a cluster of aragonite, per Dr. Georg Gebhard, that has been completely replaced by cuprian smithsonite (giving a pastel green color). The general form of the aragonite is fairly well preserved for the crystals in the entire group and they have an added glistening, sugary coating of 1 mm cuprian smithsonite crystals all over them for added aesthetics! You can also tell that the larger crystals were a slightly divergent group; and there are even hollow areas at the edge and interior here and in some of the smaller crystals components of the group, to look within. There are also tiny spots of reddish hematite coloration both on and under the small smithsonite crystals on the exterior. A handsome Tsumeb pseudomorph! Comes with a custom lucite display base. Illustrated in Collecting Pseudomorphs: The Changelings of Mineralogy (Mineralogical Record, Jan 2025) on page 96. Also illustrated in ExtraLapis #43: Pseudomorphs. Awarded Tucson Gem and Mineral Show's best in show Paul Desautels Trophy case (2009). Laszlo Kupi photo.